NORWALK --It's one thing when politicians and organizations use a press conference as a venue to thank each other for their hard work in getting something accomplished. It's another thing when an ordinary citizen uses the "question and answer" session of the conference to thank all involved.

Such was the case Monday when U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4, visited 80 Fair Street in Norwalk to tout the importance of workforce housing. New Neighborhoods Inc., along with Building and Land Technology, developed 80 Fair Street as housing for low and moderate income families and individuals. The 57-unit development opened a year and a half ago.

"We didn't want to live in affordable housing as we used to think of affordable housing. When we found this place, we were so grateful," resident Jacqueline I. Stevens said. "Our children have a great place to grow up. Thank you to everyone for all your hard work. It doesn't go unnoticed."

Another 80 Fair Street resident, Jasmine Hardy, provided the introduction for the conference.

"It's one of the best places I've ever lived. Everyone here is hardworking," she said. "It's very diversified here, but the people are more than tenants. We've built relationships here. It's more than a place to live --it's a home."

Himes discussed the "brutal housing market" in Fairfield County, especially for those who are not "high earners." He added that businesses will not want to move to the area if workers have to live so far away.

"This is not what we thought of as affordable housing in the 1950s," Himes said. "This is a vibrant, attractive community."

Himes toured the facility and one of the units following the press conference. 80 Fair Street features a fitness center, dog walking trail and laundry room. It is completely leased.

Ross Burkhardt, president and CEO of New Neighborhoods, pressed the politicians on getting more affordable housing for U.S. veterans. Ten units at 80 Fair Street are occupied by veterans.

"If we can't unite behind that, what can we unite behind?" Himes said of providing veterans with affordable housing.

Norwalk Mayor Richard A. Moccia added that each of the proposed major redevelopment projects in Norwalk -- 95/7, Wall Street and West Avenue -- includes "significant portions" of affordable housing.

"We've rebuilt neighborhoods and we've made people neighbors again. We had gotten away from that for some reason," Moccia said. "I want people to come to Norwalk and I want them to feel safe and be able to afford to live here. Why battle (Interstate) 95 if you have a reasonable place to live in Norwalk?"

Edward Musante Jr., president of the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, said his organization has championed affordable housing for years. He hopes more affordable housing complexes are built throughout Fairfield County and hopes some of the surrounding communities, such as New Canaan and Westport, pitch in for the effort.

"We need more people in the community to spread the word that places like this are good for the community," Musante said.

Bill Okwuosa, executive director of the Open Door Shelter, attended the conference and said developments such as 80 Fair Street provide hope to residents at his emergency shelter.

"It means there's hope. It's a chance for the community to get people in a better place," he said. "Hopefully it will extend to some of the people in my shelter."

Okwuosa said graduates of the shelter's Hope Works job training program are good candidates for places such as 80 Fair St.

New Neighborhoods Inc. is based in Stamford and has developed more than 20 affordable housing complexes.